Case against driver in fatal Poway crash under review

Evelyn Courtney killed in crash

2:37 PM, Jun 25, 2013

SAN DIEGO - Authorities Tuesday were continuing to review the case against a San Diego man whose car was struck broadside by a Poway fire truck when he allegedly ran a red light, killing a 19-year-old woman in his vehicle.

Arraignment was put off for Robbie Gillespie, pending the filing of possible charges.

Gillespie, 44, was driving a Honda Accord southbound on Midland Road around 4 a.m. last Thursday when it was hit by an eastbound Poway Fire Department engine at Poway Road and pushed into a roadside light pole, according to San Diego County sheriff's officials.

The three people in the fire engine were unhurt and came to the aid of the motorist and his passenger, 19-year-old Evelyn Courtney, who died at the scene despite lifesaving attempts, said sheriff's Lt. Jeff Duckworth.

Paramedics took Gillespie to a hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. He was released after treatment and is free on bond.

The nature of the relationship between Gillespie and Courtney, who was single and lived with her parents in Poway, was not immediately clear.

The occupants of the fire engine told investigators they had entered the road crossing on a green light, with their emergency flashers and siren activated.

An open alcoholic-beverage container was found in the crumpled Accord, according to Duckworth.

"Investigators are looking into the possibility that drugs and/or alcohol may have been a factor in the collision," Duckworth said.

Copyright 2013 by City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.